What the Journey to Recovery Is Like When Battling Addiction
For those suffering from addiction, recovery can be a rollercoaster of emotions, growth, and self-discovery. While it includes breaking free from the physical grip of addiction, it is also about learning to navigate life with a renewed purpose. On any journey to recovery, it begins with a need to seek help.
The Moment of Recognition
The journey begins when someone suffering from addiction recognizes the need to recover. This moment of clarity can be triggered by a multitude of different things, such as a serious health scare, losing someone close to them, isolation, or other stressful life events. While this moment of realization can be scary, it also provides a sense of hope that there is a path to a better life.
Determining a Rehab
Not all addiction treatment is created equal, as not all who suffer from addiction experience the same struggles. For some, an outpatient rehab is just what they need to recover. This allows them to remain in their jobs or stay in school while seeking help. However, serious cases of addiction, whether to drugs or alcohol, may require a more intensive treatment program. In these cases, detox programs or inpatient addiction programs may be the best option.
If you are unsure of the path that you need to take, there are plenty of resources available to help determine which addiction rehab best suits your needs.
Detox
A detox phase is required for those who are struggling to quit their addiction but want to take the first step in doing so. During a detox treatment program, patients suffering from addiction are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be anything from nausea to mental health struggles. This can take a serious toll on the body but is crucial to healing.
Through a detox program, those suffering from addiction can go through one of the toughest parts of recovery surrounded by medical professionals and passionate staff there to encourage you and help you on your journey.
Therapy
Both inpatient and outpatient addiction programs require some forms of therapy to help treat individuals with addiction. For many addicts, therapy provides a way to confront the reason for the addiction. While these may be painful memories to recollect, different forms of therapy help manage the emotions that come with this confrontation of the past. Individual therapy sessions help find traumas or suppressed feelings that may have fueled dependency on drugs or alcohol. Group therapy sessions show the patient that they are not alone in their struggle, allowing them to create bonds and forge healthy relationships.
Facing the Risk of Relapse
Not every addict relapses. But, the risk is there, especially in the first 90 days after treatment. Some addicts join sober living options post-rehab to help them maintain their sobriety as they enter their life of recovery. Others may find benefit in joining aftercare programs, which provide community and therapeutic support to those ready to face the world on their new sober journey. Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of options available to those suffering with addiction to continue their healthier, happier life.